Not to disrupt this thread, but the Ibanez ATK models do a damn good imitation of the EBMM Stringray. The pickups don't look the same. The sound is quite similar.
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Affordable Stingray-style bass showdown!
- Thread starter RumbleMan3
- Start date
Sterling SUB is so cheap it's hard to go wrong. I got mine for $150 and did a quick setup and haven't looked back. Actually plays fantastic, and has that classic stingray bite I can't quite get on my L-2500.
Ach! You beat me by 12 minutes.
Putting my money where my mouth is—but two for less than the money for a single EBMM!
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Ya … I haven't thought of retrovibe in a long time … They came across my radar when they did the Ric-ish copies.
Very nice. My ATK was built in 2006... bought in 2008. I had the fretless version with rosewood fingerboard and white fret lines, in the late 90's... purchased from a local guitar shop. I was an idiot and sold it on eBay and I regret it ever since. The black ATKs look cool as hell.
Thanks! Bought the 5 new when they first came out in 1995; bought a 4 of about the same vintage a few months ago. Again, seriously worth considering if you’re a fan of the Stingray sound but not the Stingray price.
Be patient and buy a real deal USA EB MM Stingray...............used.
I found a near mint black 'Ray with rosewood neck and OHSC for $725 (about 10 years ago on local Craigs List).
I found a near mint black 'Ray with rosewood neck and OHSC for $725 (about 10 years ago on local Craigs List).
I tried an ATK a couple of years ago and I was quite impressed by how good it sounded. It had many sounds in it and could do the Stingray tone and much more.
I know it’s not on the list, but if you can get your hands on an old Ibanez ATK300, you’d be pretty close. I loved mine, and I sorta regret selling it, even though I got almost double what I paid for it...
I've never played an OLP anything (bass or guitar) that ever felt or sounded good. I voted Sterling, I've never owned one but I've played a few and they were solid for the price.
If it's the tone you're looking for there are other companies making similar basses. Outside of SX and others making copies, you might check out G&L Kiloton or L1500. The tribute series is well made and affordable. The Warwick FNA is a cool bass with a SR vibe. Not as inexpensive as what you're looking at though.
As already pointed out if you hunt and be patient you can find deals on used US-made MM SRs (probably the best move if you really want one).
If it's the tone you're looking for there are other companies making similar basses. Outside of SX and others making copies, you might check out G&L Kiloton or L1500. The tribute series is well made and affordable. The Warwick FNA is a cool bass with a SR vibe. Not as inexpensive as what you're looking at though.
As already pointed out if you hunt and be patient you can find deals on used US-made MM SRs (probably the best move if you really want one).
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
I have both a Sterling SB14 (I know, it's a Sterling import not a Stingray) and a SUB Ray. They are both great instruments. The Ray is actually modded with a US Stingray pau ferro unlined fretless neck, a Nordstrand 2B-3A preamp and Nordstrand MM 4.2 pickup. It's basically a step or two away from a US Ray but for a lot less money. Sounds great and touches on that Pino fretless sound.
The Sterling SB14 is stock but is very solid and versatile with its 3-way series/SC/parallel switch and 3-band eq. So yes, I think that the SBMM lines are great for the money and you can't go wrong.
The Sterling SB14 is stock but is very solid and versatile with its 3-way series/SC/parallel switch and 3-band eq. So yes, I think that the SBMM lines are great for the money and you can't go wrong.
Sterling SUB
I owned one, & liked it. It had a more pleasing sounding P/U than the OLP. Never tried a HB
I owned one, & liked it. It had a more pleasing sounding P/U than the OLP. Never tried a HB
You are MISSING the Chowny Evo!
These basses have a jazz neck, and incredible OEM pickup with a very powerful sound, 77 Stinger Preamp modeled after the original Stingray, and almost all of them are 8lbs or under. String thru body style and better looks than any regular MM style bass. Eat your hearts out. For about 600 bones.
These basses have a jazz neck, and incredible OEM pickup with a very powerful sound, 77 Stinger Preamp modeled after the original Stingray, and almost all of them are 8lbs or under. String thru body style and better looks than any regular MM style bass. Eat your hearts out. For about 600 bones.
MY ATK. By the way, the ATK (with the old preamp) did things the modern Stingray couldnt do. I actually prefer it to MM's. Here is mine. If you ask, Ill tell u why.
See mine above.
